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Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) is a Biodiversity informatics data standard that makes use of the Darwin Core terms to produce a single, self contained dataset for species occurrence or taxonomic (species) data.  It is the preferred format for publishing data to the <a href="http://www.gbif.org/">Global Biodiversity Information Facility</a>. You export your data as a set of one or more text (CSV) files.  A simple XML descriptor file (called meta.xml) is required to inform others how your files are organized. <br />
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<p><em><b>This web application produces the XML descriptor file called "meta.xml" (see the next tab in the user interface) for you.</b></em></p>
<p><img src="resources/docs/outline.png" width="597" height="195" alt="DwC-A Outline" /></p>
<p>The process is simple. You need to select the terms matching your data. This tool helps by providing a list of terms and explanations (on mouse hover). To use this utility you:<br />
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<p>1. Select the standard terms and extensions required to map the biodiversity data you wish to share in your archive by opening the folders at left and selecting terms from the list of options.<br />
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<p>2. Drag the terms so the order maps the column order of your data.<br />
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<p>3. Fill the filename of your data (top right) and provide the settings of the files (right sidebar).<br />
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<p>4. Include the filename of any other dataset documentation you might include in your archive.<br />
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<p>5. Add global values that makes your data more complete and easier to be shared with other users.<br />
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<p>6. Go to the tab labeled "meta.xml" and save the resultant XML file in a folder with your data files.<br />
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<p>7. Zip the folder into a single archive and you are done!<br />
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<p><b>See also:</b></p>
<ul style="padding-left:30px; list-style-type: circle">
	<li><a href="http://gbif-meta-maker.googlecode.com/files/gbif_dwc-a_asst_en_v1.1.pdf" target="_blank"><em>User Guide</em></a> (4.5 MB)</li>
	<li><a href="http://tools.gbif.org/dwca-validator/" target="_blank"><em>Darwin Core Archive Validator Tool</em></a></li>
	<li><em><a href="http://links.gbif.org/gbif_dwc-a_asst_en_v1.1" target="_blank">Darwin Core Descriptor File Information</a></em></li>
	<li><a href="http://rs.gbif.org/core/dwc_taxon.xml" target="_blank"><em>dwc_taxon.xml</em></a></li>
	<li><a href="http://rs.gbif.org/core/dwc_occurrence.xml" target="_blank"><em>dwc_occurrence.xml</em></a></li>
	<li><a href="http://code.google.com/p/gbif-meta-maker" target="_blank"><em>Project Code</em></a></li>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_hF0sslw-B4" target="_blank">Instructional Video</a></b></p>
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